The threat of an alleged illegal paintball venue being built on land reserved for hundreds of homes in Wokingham caused concern for residents on Friday.

Several residents in Priest Avenue contacted The Wokingham Times and police on Friday afternoon saying they had heard news three largescale earth moving machines had been purchased and deployed to land between Clay Lane and London Road.

Two PCSOs and residents waited outside the site to prevent any illegal invasion, however called off the operation after an hour.

The land has been earmarked for development by David Wilson Homes, which is proposing to build around 600 homes at the countryside spot.

One anonymous resident said the threat of any illegal encampment taking residence on the site was of concern.